c. 454-404 BC - ATHENS - Silver Tetradrachm, ATHENA & OWL

$1,650.00

Silver Tetradrachm, Ancient Greece - Athens, c. 454-404 BC.

Obv: Bust of Athena, right.

Rev: Owl with head facing, olive branch to left.

Sear-G 2526  -  22 mm, 16.96 gm  

The "Owl" tetradrachm of Athens is one of the most famous and recognizable of all coins of the classical ancient world. Athens coinage with a bust of Athena on the front and  an Owl on the back continued from its inception in 510 BC, to the Hellenistic period in the 1st century BC ! 

In Greek mythology, a Little Owl (Athene noctua) traditionally represents or accompanies Athena, the virgin goddess of wisdom, or Minerva, her incarnation in Roman mythology. Because of such association, the bird — often referred to as the "owl of Athena" or the "owl of Minerva" — has been used as a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, perspicacity and erudition throughout the Western world.

  • Inventory# PA-3592